Pokémon Sword and Shield are set in the Galar region, which may be based on the United Kingdom. It is described as "an expansive region with many environments—idyllic countryside, contemporary cities, thick forests, and craggy, snow-covered mountains. The people and Pokémon live together in this region, and they’ve worked together to develop the industries here."

These games will return to having Gyms that the player must battle with the goal of becoming the Champion. In addition, the Trainers can once again battle wild Pokémon, a feature previously removed in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. The games also mark the return of random encounter system, as seen in most of the previous core titles that came before Let's Go pairs.

Furthermore, the three new Starter Pokémon were also unveiled:

Grass-type: Grookey (Japanese: サルノリ Sarunori), a mischievous Chimp Pokémon that is full of boundless curiosity.